uc is now enthusiastically taking a lead role, but the economy and sequestration have done a number on the funding delaying plans. so is the 2018 opening date realistic? >> i think that's a reasonable target date but i guess i would make that a pretty soft date. >> reporter: but nothing worthwhile is easy. this is a vote of confidence in richmond's future and just as important, the children. there are plans to expand the university and lab's involvement in the schools. so one day, richmond's children can aspire to be the scientists at this site. >> they will now have something that represents more of the future than their proud past and we're very proud to be part of that. >> reporter: there will be a community meeting tomorrow so that the lab at the university can tell the public their long range plans and the public can weigh in. we are expected to hear some concerns about traffic in the surrounding area. but allen, unlike many, many projects throughout the in the past, here, people -- throughout the bay area in the past, here people want to see it done and are working together. >> t